









A COMEDY DRAMA. 




A COMEDY DRAMA 



IN SIX ACTS. 



Maiden's Adventure. 



SCENE ON THE UPPER JAMES. 



Bv TRAVIS ALBERT BRANCH. 



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'^iK ^ 



RICHMOND: 

TAYLOR & DALTOX, PRINTERS. 

1893. 



j'lyi'^^X 



-y'bL'^ 



r 




?ib. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1892, 

By TRAVIS ALBERT BRANCH, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D C. 



MAIDEFS ADVENTURE. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Victor Herndon A Young Lawyer 

Dr. Joshua Hill An Old (Bachelor) Uncle 

John Hill Nephew of Joshua Hill 

Charles Crane A Gambler 

Policeman 

Sheriff. 

Paul A Negro Servant 

Silas A Negro Servant 

Myra Gramer Niece of Joshua Hill 

Florence Hill Niece of Joshua Hill 

Mrs. Brooks Boarding Mistress 

Miss Kate An Old Maid 

Diana A Servant to Myra 

Catherine A Servant to Florence 

Puss A Servant at Boarding-House 

Lucy Servant to Victor 

Bill Robertson and Others. 



MAIDEN'S ADVENTURE. 



..A.OT OJNTE. 



Scene I.— Library at West View Villa. [Enter 
John Hill.] 

John— I gness that stupid old 'uncle of mine is 
satisfied, he has brought Richard Gramer's child 
here to inherit his fortune; he has forsworn 'tis 
true. I have heard him sware that Richard Gramer, 
his wife, nor child should never cross his threshold. 
Florence, my cousin, he abhors, and F, his preferred 
heir, shall not be cut off from my uncle's fortune bv 
Richard Gramer's child. Not enough of her blood 
runs in my veins for me to be merciful if she comes 
between me and Joshua Hill's million, for that mil- 
lion I must and will have. Here comes the old man 
now. [Enter Joshua.] 

Joshua— Halloo! Halloo! What brings you so 
early, are you sick? Do you feel like you look? 
Come my boy and let me feel your pulse, I am sure 
you must be sick from the way you look. 

John— I am sorr\^, uncle, my looks deceive you. 
I am feeling quite well, thank you. I am glad to 
see you looking so w^ell. 



6 Maiden's Adventure. 

Joshua — 0, John, I am glad you are considered 
a judge, do you think I am looking well? 

John — Yes; you are almost as large as a hogs- 
head. 

Joshua — Well, 3'ou know I have the dyspepsia 
and am drinking beer for a remedy, and it is an ex- 
cellent one, it has a stretching capacity, a strong 
desire to extend my corporation. ' 

John — And it seems that its desire has been ac- 
complished, for you are immense. 

Joshua — Well, my boy, it does seem so; I sup- 
pose, John, you wnll try a dose ol my medicine, 
won't you? [Summons a servant.] 

John — Yes; I'll take a glass, thank you. 

yosHUA — Look here, John, I believe your girl has 
bounced you, you look like you have lost your mar- 
bles, what is the matter with you? 

John — I hav'nt given anyone the chance. [Enter 
Paul.] 

Paul — Sarvant, Massa Josh ; sarvant, Mass 
John; sarvant, sar? 

Joshua — Halloo, you are too polite to be honest, 
you black monkey, you ; bring me some beer in 
short notice. 

Paul — [Aside] Massa John looks like de — [aloud, 
he sings] de last rose of summer. 

Joshua — I say, John — Oh, hush that fuss, hush 
that fuss. [Paul still sings.] 

John — I don't know^ which is making the most 
fuss, you or he. Is that the way yon rear your ser- 
vants, to go yelling about the house in that manner. 



Alaiden's Adventure. 7 

Joshua — Wh\', that negro sings delightfully; I 
taught him how to sing. 

John— [Aside.] I thought so, [Enters Paul, still 
singing.] 

Joshua — What are you yelling about here for? 
[Paul stops suddenly.] Pll make you drink this 
glass of beer, you black scoundrel. [Paul trembles 
and falls on his knees. Josh makes him drink the 
beer. Paul appears he doesn't like it, and laughs 
at him behind his back. Josh drinks the remaining 
glass and sits the other on the table. John picks 
it up and starts to drink.] 

Joshua— Hold on, John, don't drink the glass, 
I'll have you some brought. [To Paul.] Bringme 
some more beer, steam-piano, for you can make as 
much fuss as two. [Exit Paul.] I say, John, don't 
you think that boy can sing ? 

John — Yes; 1 think he has accomplished moreof 
the art than his master. [John still remaining.] 

Joshua — Well, that is how you are raised. You 
may be a judge of good looks, but not of good 
singing. [Enters Paul, bearing the beer.] 

Paul— Here you is, Massa. [Josh takes one, 
hands it to John; Paul drinks the rest while he is 
so doing.] 

Joshua— John, this is the best beer in America; 
sometimes I wish I were a Dutchman. This — [He 
sees Paul drinking the other glass of beer, stoops 
down, w^atches him. drink. Paul looks fiist at the 
bottom of the glass and then spies his master ; he 
then backs out under his searching gaze.] Well, 



8 Maiden's Adventure. 

George, that negro beats all I have ever seen, he 
will have enough of drinking w^hen he gets hold of 
that bottle of wine. I sa^^ John, have you seen 
your little counsin ? 

John— No, I have not. 

Joshua — Well, I'll have her summoned. 

JoHN^No, don't bother yourself; I don't care to 
see her. 

Joshua — Well, my dear boy, you never saw a 
lovelier creature in your life, or a sweeter one. 

John — Yes, very sweet, indeed; something like 
her mother. You'll spend your money to educate 
her and then she will marr\' some vagabond. 

Joshua — Come, sir, how dare you speak of your 
aunt and child in that manner? She had but one 
fault; she loved too passionately one who was not 
worthy of her affections. She disobeyed my wishes, 
and in a fit of madness I swore she should never 
cross my threshold. She died in want without my 
knowledge, and for the sin of that oath I'll make 
amends to her daughter. Oh, Mary, Mary, had I 
not sworn that oath. [Tears steal down his 
cheeks.] 

John — Uncle Josh will you excuse me? 

Joshua — 0, certainly, certainly, but one thing 
first young man, don't ever allude to your aunt in 
my presence again, and shame for this time. Now 
go and drown your troubles in some sport that 
would suit you best. 

John — Thank you, uncle, I'll drown my troubles 
soon enough. [Aside.] In a manner 3^ou little expect. 



Maiden's Adventure. 9 

Joshua — [Bows low.] Certainly, ha I ha! ha! 
bv jollv, the boy is mad; he thinks his financial 
neck is broken, an arrogant young dude. He is 
verv much like his mother, judgingfrom the amount 
of his insolence. Hoot! hoot! I am getting mad 
myself. [Summons Paul.] I generally drown my 
troubles with a big drink. [Enter Paul.] Some 
wine. [He begins to pout and knocks things 
around generally.] 

Paul — All right massa. [Aside.] I is guine get 
another drink. Begins to sing. [Exit Paul.] 

Joshua — Angels and ministeis of grace defend 
us, if I don't kill that negro. [Grabs up the broom 
and knocks him down as he enters. Paul spills the 
wine on the floor and licks it up. As he is lying on 
the floor, Josh looks at him a moment or two, then 
beats him off the stage. He sits in front of the au- 
dience a few moments breathing very hard.] Oh, 
that negro, he will be the death of me, confound 
him ; he is so fond of licking, I'll get Mason to lick 
him, and that decent, but I'll fix him and Silas, too, 
the scamps; the\^ have stolen a bottle of wine that 
I put pepper in; they will think it was made of 
pepper instead of grapes, and that the devil was 
the manufacturer of it, for I am going to play ghost 
and scare them like the devil. He dresses like a 
ghost. [Exit Josh.] 

Scene II. — Darkies cabin. [Enters Josh.] 

Joshua — Just in time, here they come. Where must 
I get? Right behind this barrel. [Secretes.] Oh, you 



10 Maiden s Adventure. 

scampvS, I'll make yon think the devil is boss in this 
shanty. [Enters Paul and Silas,] 

Paul — Ha ! ha ! ha! Silas, massa guine think he 
drinked dis wine, but he gnine think wrong dis 
time, ain't he doe? 

Silas — Yes, he is ; nigger love wnne same as white 
folks. [Paul starts to drink.] Look here, look here 
nigger, Fo you mess wid dat wine, half longs to dis 
nigger. [Grabs Paul bv the arm.] 

Paul — Take here, I is guine give you half. 0, 
take here, take here; I is guine drink. [He drinks, 
turns his head, and hands the bottle to Silas; he 
drinks, and vSets the bottle down very easy ; both 
go through as many foolish actions as necessary; 
then the ghost appears, blows out the light, and 
scares them almost to death. Exit both ] 

[Josh bursts into a fit of laughter. Exit Josh.] 

Diana — [Enter Diana bearing a sword, followed 
by Paul and Silas] Whar did you see de debil. 
I'll make him know his place. . Whar is he? 

Paul — Right ober dar, mammy — worp! [He 
starts back.] 

Diana — Whar? [She gets frightened.] 

Silas — Mammy, he is big as old Sal mule. 

Diana — Ah ! chillon, 'tis dat good ole father of 
yalls come to tell yalls to 'pent and 'pent speedily. 
I tell you, chillon, you had better 'pent, for the 
time is coming when you can't, can't 'pent. 

Paul — Mammy, if dat is father, he is done 
turned to de debil, for he sartinly had horns. 

Diana — You talk fool, nigger. Your father was 



Maiden's Adventure. 11 

a 'Siplc, and come to tell yall ob de sin yall been 
done. You better 'pent and 'pent speedy, 'cause 
you guine be dam and dam 'turnaly. What's dis 
here? Ah, you black sons of Ham ; been stealing 
massa's wine. You know you is; you know you 
is. Hush! hush! 1 is guine beat you. [She looks 
at the bottle.] Oh ! I is got such a pain. 'Postle 
Paul said must take some for stomach sake. [Paul 
and Silas look at her and nearly break their sides 
laughing. She drinks.] Murder! murder! fire! 
fire! Oh! my stomach, my stomach! Water, 
water! [Starts to look for water. Enter ghost. 
She falls upon the floor and tries to swim off. Paul 
sticks his head in the barrel. Silas makes an 
effort to escape through the private-box, turns, 
and tries to pass the ghost, but he catches him by 
the hair, then lets him go.] Scene closes. 

Scene III. — Library in the same. 

Joshua— [Alone.] Ha ! ha ! ha !— oh, m\^ side. By 
bloods, if I haven't had some fun this night. I don't 
want a cent. [He rings for Diana. Enter Diana.] 
Halloo, old mammy, I thought you were in the 
fairy land. 

Diana — No, massa, not yet, but I seed death dis 
night — oh, my stomach. 

Joshua— Well, what did he say? 

Diana — Ah, massa, he say, "Diana, Diana, time 
don't 'long ' ' — massa, he fill me wid fire and smite me 
to de floor. Ah, massa, I hears dat voice calling 
dis old nigger; Diana, Diana, ah, 'taint guine be 



12 Maiden's Adventure. 

long. He guine take dis old black soul, den I is 
guine sing. [Starts humming a negro tune and 
patting her foot; then shouts. Exit Diana, sing- 
ing as she goes.] 

Joshua — Well, that will do. Go summons the 
two young ladies. [Enter Alyra; soon after, 
Florence.] 

Myra — 0, uncle, you look so happy. [She kisses 
him.] What makes you so happy ? 

Joshua — Why, because you kissed me; isn't that 
enough to make a fellow happy? If you would 
kiss some of the boys around here, you would make 
them so happv they would butt their brains out. 

Myra — Well, uncle, I will be sure not to cause 
any one to commit suicide in such a horrible man- 
ner. Oh, uncle, I have been reading Poe's "Black 
Cat." People say no one can read it and sleep that 
night, and I am trying it. 

Joshua — So you are trying to be brave, are you ? 

Myra — Yes, I would like to be a brave girl. 

Joshua — That's right, m\^ dear child; you will 
need all of your bravery here, I am afraid. [Enter 
Florence.] 

Florence — Do you wish to speak with me? 

Joshua — Yes, Lady Florence, if your majesty 
w411 permit. 

Florence — Then be brief. 

Joshua — I will, to be sure, for your company is 
as obnoxious to me as mine is to you ; I only wish 
to say that I am going to the city to engage board 



Maidens Adventure. 13 

and school for \'on and Myra. Have you anything 
to say ? 

Florence— Nothing; only I prefer to do both 
alone. 

Joshua— Ha! ha! ha! Well, I prefer you will do 
both together. You can go. 

Florence— [Aside.] Til get even with you. [Exit 
Florence.] 

Myra— Uncle, she seems at enmity with us all. 
Pray tell me what I have done to offend her? 

Joshua— 0. never mind her; she is a little dyspep- 
tic, that's all; she needs beer. 

Myra— Uncle, don't you think a dose of kind 
words would be a better remedy? I will do any- 
thing to pleavSe her. 

Joshua — I believe you are an angel. Suppose 
you try it ; it is an excellent remedy, but I am 
afraid the\^ will be rather hard to digest. 

Myra— I'll try it this night, uncle. [Kisses him 
good night. Exit Myra.] 

Joshua— If that is not an angel, I don't know 
who is. Just like her mother— kind-hearted, loves 
peace, good to everybody, and hates no one. I 
will be dad blamed if she don't have a tuff custo- 
mer to deal with, for that gal is the devil. [Exit 
Josh.] 

Scene IV.— Florence's room. [Myra taps gently 
at the door.] 

Florence— Things have come to a pretty pass, 
that I have got to board w^here he sees fit, and 



14 Maiden's Adventure. 

with that as^vlum girl, that I may be naortified as 
often as possible by her ignorance. Claiming kin 
with me. I don't believe she is Aunt Myra's child. 
[Mvra taps.] Come in. [Enter Myra,] I pre- 
sume you have missed your way. 

Myra — No, cousinFlorence; I wish to speak to 
vou. Will you permit me? 

Florence — No, I wish to confer with, no one. I 
am in no mood for communication. Please leave 
my room. 

Myra — May I not speak one word with yo.u? 

Florence — No. not a syllable; you have already 
said too much, and hereafter, w^hen you address me, 
let it be Miss Florence or nothing. Now go. 

Myra — Then I am not your cousin ? 

Florence — No, not a drop of your blood runs 
in my veins. Richard Gramer, your father, died a 
drunkard in the streets of Charleston, and your 
mother, a miserable pauper. [Enters Diana.] 

Myra — Florence Hill, it's a lie. [She screams 
and falls in Diana's arms. Curtain falls while 
Diana is shaking her fist at Florence.] 






Maiden s Adventure. 15 



j^csT a?AVO. 



Scene I.^oshua Hill in city; meets Victor 
Herndon. 

Joshua — Helloo, helloo, how much is the stakes? 

Victor — Helloo. Doctor, you are an early bird. 
What brings you to town so early f [Shake hands. ] 

Joshua — Business, my boy, business; and I want 
to see some of my old friends. 

Victor — Well, I hope you won't have much trou- 
ble in finding them. 

Joshua — Well, I hope so, too. By the wa\', you 
are just the fellow I want to see. I tell you, Vic, 
[slaps him on the shoulder] I have the sweetest 
little gal at home \'ou ever saw, and, I tell you, she 
is as pretty as a picture. 

Victor — Where did you find such a beautiful 
creature? 

Joshua — Victor, I have been an ungrateful dog. 
She is my sister's child, who died a year ago, and 
I have just brought her home, and Florence, m^^ 
soul, is furious. 

Victor — Doctor, I didn't know vour sister had 
a child. How old is she? 

Joshua — O, she is sixteen, and just from school, 
and as coy as a mouse. 



16 Maiden's Adventure. 

f Victor — 0, that is a charming age, and I would 
be more than pleased to meet her. 

Joshua — Well, I guess you can if you try. You 
will always find her under old Joshua's roof, and 
there, Vic, you are always welcome. I say, Vic, 
the early bird Ccitches the worm. Let's have a 
drink. [Enter bar; scene opens.] How is busi- 
ness, my boy ? 

Victor — Business is brisk — very brisk. 1 have 
several cases of breach of promise on hand. 

Joshua — Give us a julep. [To bar-keeper.] 
Girls are numerous, and as sharp as briars, and 
YOU had better mind how you court, boy. I say, 
I have a good one on your profession. 

Victor — You have? Let's hear it. 

Joshua — What is the difference between a soldier 
andalawver? Come, now^ ; summon your wits. 
Hold on; let's drink first. [They drink.] 

Victor — What is the difference between a law- 
3^er and a soldier? Well, the only difference I can 
see is this : A lawyer fights with his tongue and a 
soldier with implements of war. 

Joshua — Pretty good ; but you are wrong. You 
are off the track. [Slaps him on the shoulders.] 

Victor — Well, I'll give it tip. I am not apt on 
problems, I'll admit. 

Joshua — Well, you see a soldier charges upon his 
enemy's breast- work, and a lawyer upon his friend's 
pocket-book. Ha! ha! ha! That's so; isn't it, old 
boy? [Slaps him on the shoulder.] 

Victor — [Aside.] If I don't leave him, he will 



Maiden's Adventure. 17 

kill me. Doctor, that is brilliant. Let's have a 
julep. [To bar-keeper.] Well, we'll take another, 
and I must leave you. 

Joshua — But look here — bv the wav, where can 
I find a first-class boarding-house? I want to send 
those gals to school in town. 

Victor— Why, yes, there is Mrs. Brooks. 417 S. 
Fourth street. First-class house, fine lady, and 
she's a widow. 

Joshua — Capital; let's drink on that. [He slaps 
at him, Victor steps aside, and Josh falls on his 
hands and knees.] 

Victor — Helloo, let me pick you up. 

Joshua — Well, I believe I need \^our assistance. 
[A boy steps into the bar, sticks him with a pin, 
then runs out. He jumps vip in a second.] Who 
did that? 

Victor — Didn't you see the bo\' as he ran out? 

Joshua — No ; dad blame his buttons. If I had I 
would have given him this foot, and it's a Number 
ten, too. Now, we'll take that drink, and heie is 
luck to the widow. [They drink.] 

Victor — Well, Doctor, F must leave you ; but 
how did \^ou leave all at home? 

Joshua — All at home? Why, sick. Diana has 
the rheumatism, old Mary the mumps, Paul and 
Silas have wine on the brain, Florence the devil's 
dyspepsia, and I — oh ! [Slaps where the boy stuck 
him, and looks around and tries to see the place.] 
Where did you say that boy went? 

Victor — Whv, that bov is at home bv now. 



18 Maiden s Adventure. 

Joshua — Well, be had better stay there, too; 
confonncl him. 

Victor — Doctor, I. must leave yon. I am in 
sort of a hurry. Good day. Don't foro^et the 
widow. 

Joshua — Good day. I won't ibrget her. you bet. 
[Aside.] That's a fine boy. He is in love with 
that gal now. I can see it in his eye. Well, go 
on; I don't care. But won't Florence plav the 
devil? I say, neighbor, [to bar-keeper] it's a long 
time between drinks. Let's have another. Come 
on, vou'll drink with me, won't vou? 

B. K. — Oh, yes; I never refuse to drink with a 
fine-looking fellow like you. 

Joshua — Good! Give us your hand. Smith, 
Brown, or Jones. 

B. K. — You are mistakenin the name, sir. Wash- 
ington Marion Henry Lee is my name. 

Joshua— Old Vet.— old soldier. Well, I haven't 
seen you since the war. I say, Washington Marion 
Henry Lee, we will drink for old acquaintance sake. 
You remember, Lee, when we fought side by side 
at the battle of Bunker Hill, when we made the 
"red coats" drink their blood, and at Yorktown, 
when \\t gave America her freedom ? Oh, if I were 
an orator. Do you know my name? 

B. K.— Well, i can't say I do. 

Joshua — My name is Josiah Jonathan Joshua 
Hill. 

B. K. — From your name, I would judge vou 
were a D. D. 



Mfiidcns Adventure. 19 

Joshua — No; oh, no; not so. If I nni, I nm in 
the wrong ])c\v. No, sir; I am an M. D., sir. Wtll. 
I have lots ot l)iisiness to transact, so I must he oft. 
Good day. Hold on, I gness you liad better give 
ine a bottle or two of stimulants to take with me. 
1 don't like the blame stutif. I)ut I reckon I had bet- 
ter have it. 

B. K. — Doctor, that name of vours is enough to 
kill you ; you had better have it changed. 

Joshua — That nameisall right. Give me another 
drink, an'd if it kills me, Til die happy. [Thev 
drink.] Richard is himself again ; let Hercules do as 
he will and I'll do the same. [He settles up, puts 
his })ottles in his pocket, starts out, and then stc)ps.] 
Now for Mrs. — Mrs. — Mrs. — where does she live? 

B. K. — Where does who live? ' 

Joshua — 0, you know who I mean; the widow. 

B. K. — How do I know; the town is full of 
widows. 

Joshua — Well, if you don't know, 1 will ask some 
one th'cxt does. [Exit Josh. Scene //.] Helloo, 
where am I? [Enter bov.] I sa\\ Johnnie, where 
am I going? 

Johnnie— To the devil, it seems to me. [Josh 
starts after him. He runs off. Josh runs against 
a policeman just entering.] 

Policeman— Hold up, here. What vos vou 
mean by running against the city authority. I'll 
take you in. 

Joshua — No. thanks, plenty. I say, old cub, 
you look like you are blooming. [Catches him bv 



20 Maiden's Adventure. 

tlie nose.] What will yon take for this blossom? 

Pol. I'll sell you dis stick, dat's vot I do. 

Joshua — Well, what will you take for the stick? 
I'll buy that. 

Pol. — Look here, vot does ye mean? [Draws 
his pistol.] 

}osHUA — WVU, do you want to sell that? I'll 
buy anything. 

Pol. — No, I vant to sell noting. 

Joshua — Well, how would you like to take a 
drink ? 

Pol. — Vas you got somet'ing mit you. [Josh 
hands him the bottle. He drinks.] 

Joshua — [Aside: Oh, foi some Cayenne!] I say, 
Mr. City Authority, tell me where Mrs. — Mrs. — 
Mrs.— 0, confound her name— 300— 300-300— 0, 
gol darn it. 

Pol. — [Draws his pistol.] I say, squire, another. 

Joshua — [Looks down the barrel.] Anything 
in it ? 

Pol. — Yes, it vas a full charge. 

Joshua — All right, I'm tradingthis time. [Hands 
him the bottle, catches hold of the pistol ; he re- 
fuses to giye it up; pistol fires, police drops very 
scared, and swears he is shot, but holds to the bot- 
tle, and drinks it dry before he gets up.] I say, 
old squib, don't drink any more than you want. 

Pol. — No, dis vas goot viskey, squire. [He tries 
to rise, but falls several times, then rises, leels for 
his pistol, then points a stick at him] Another 
bottle, squire. 



Maiden's Adventure. 21 

Joshua — Oh, I guess not. I hold trumps this 
time. Now, old stork, I want to find the widow's 
house. 

Pol. — Darn devidder's house. Vot does I know 
about der vidder's house? 

Joshua — What do you know about this? 
[Draws the pistol.] 

Pol— Dat vas all right, squire; dat vas all 
right; but have you got any more dat gootviskey? 

Joshua — No ; Pve got no more for you. March, 
now, or I will take that blossom for a target. 

[Exit policeman ; Josh behind him.] 

Scene II. — Mrs. Brooks' boarding-house. [Ser- 
vant girl dusting. Enter Josh.] 

Joshua — Is this the right place, ray dearie? 
[Servant very scared.] By Jehosiphat ! isn't she 
black? [Whistles.] Black as ten of spades at 
midnight. I say, did your daddy sell charcoal ? 

Servant— Sah ? 

Joshua — Is this a boarding-house ? [Very quick.] 

Servant — Yas— sar. [Very slow.] 

Joshua — Well — I — want — to — see — your — mis- 
tress. 

Servant— Sah ? [Don't move.] 

Joshua — I want to see your mistress verj^ quick. 
[He jumps at her.] I want to see the lad3^ [She 
leaves the stage in double-quick time.] 

Joshua — If that isn't a black gal, Ham never 
had one. Look, she is coming; I hear her sweet 
voice. [He straightens up.] Helloo, don't she sing. 



22 Maiden's Adventure. 

[He throws in a few notes of bass. Enter Miss 
Kate, an old maid, singing; Josh unobserved.] 

Joshua — Good morning, madam. Is this the 
lady of the house? [Miss Kate screams, and 
starts to run out. Josh heads her several times, 
then let's her go. Josh falls down in a fit of laugh- 
ter. Enter Mrs. Brooks while he is in the act. He 
jumps up and assumes a very polite position.] 

Mrs. B. — Well, sir; good morning. 

Joshua — Good morning, Mrs. — Madame — 

Mrs. B. — Mrs. Brooks is my name. sir. 

Joshua — O, yes, madam; yes, madam; my 
memor\^ is brief. You must excuse my humVjle 
position. Something came in here just now. I 
thought it was a bird when I first heard it, but 
when it went out it sounded like a pig under the 
fence. My, how she squealed ! 

Mrs. B.— Why, sir; that was Miss Kate Smith, 
a young lad v. 

Joshua — Well, I should think so. Does she live 
here ? 

Mrs. B. — Yes, she lives here. 

Joshua — Excuse me. [Starts for his hat.] 

Mrs. B. — f believe vou sent for me sir; did you 
not? 

TosHUA — Excuse me, asfain. You know mv 
friend, madam "^ 

Mrs. B.— I don't think I know to whom you 
allude. 

Joshua — Why, Victor Herndon. Everybody 
knows him. He is a fine boy. I've known him 



Maiden's Adventure. 23 

ever since he was a minute old. His father and I 
were boys together, and he fell in the grand cause 
of America's freedom. 

Mrs. B. — 0, yes, I know Vic, very well; but I 
cannot personate you. I would be obliged if you 
would introduce yourself. 

Joshua — Pardon me, madam. I have the honor 
to present to you Dr. Josiah Jonathan Joshua Hill, 

Mrs. B.— Dr. Hill, I presume? 

Joshua — Yes, madam; Dr. Hill. 

Mrs. B. — I believe you wished to see me on busi- 
ness? 

Joshua — Yes, madam ; I understood from my 
friend, Victor, that you kept a first-class boarding- 
house. 

Mrs. B.— Yes, sir; that's what I try to do. 

Joshua — Well, then, we'll come down to busi- 
ness. I have two nieces that I wish to get board 
for. Can you accommodate them ? 

Mrs. B. — I think I can, sir. When shall I look 
for them ? 

Joshua — Well, let me see; I guess they will be 
here Monday. 

Mrs. B. — Very well; 1 w^ill look for them. It is 
quite earh'. I presume you haven't breakfasted. 

Joshua — No, madam ; I have not. 

Mrs. B. — Then excuse me, and I will have it here 
in a few moments. [Exit Mrs. B.] 

Joshua — Nothing will I more willingly do. [He 
saunters around the room looking at its contents, 
and starts singing "Home. Sweet Home," and is 



24 Maiden s Adventure. 

interrupted b\^ the entrance of Mrs. Brooks and 
servant, bearing the breakfast. The servant sets 
the breakfast on the table and runs out.] 

Mrs. B. — Doctor, here is your breakfast. 

Joshua — Oh, thank you ; thank you. I feel like I 
could eat a pig. 

Mrs. B. — Well, I hope you will enjoy it; bul I 
am sorry you were interrupted in your song by 
my entrance; but I thought you would enjoy your 
breakfast more than your song, though I enjoyed 
it very much. 

Joshua — [Steps up close to her.] Did you really 
enjov it? My friend Herndon tells me you are a 
widow. Is that so? 

Mrs. B. — Yes, sir; I am a widow, of five years. 

Joshua — [Aside: That's good.] And I am a 
bachelor of fift\ and still on the carpet. 

[Curtain falls.] 






Maiden's Adventure. 25 



(Af|er Nine Months' Interval.) 



Scene I. —Mrs. Brooks' hoarding-house. [Myra 
seated in the parlor. Enter Florence and absconds.] 

Myra— I wonder why Vic stays so long? What 
can detain him? He promised to be here at five, 
and now it is most six. Uncle says he believes I 
am in love. Well, I really believe I am. How could 
I help loving Victor? He is so kind, noble, and 
manlv. Victor is everything in my eyes. He says 
he loves me, and I believe he does. My very heart 
beats at the hearing of his footsteps. The hours 
we spend together seem blessed with smiles from 
heaven. Oh, I never dreamed of such happy 
hours! My life has been a sad one. 1 left West 
View nine months ago in tears, but I am thankful 
I can forgive her, though she has caused me many 
a tear of sorrow. Hush! That's Victor. [Runs 
to see.] Yes, that's he. He comes like the sun 
breaking through a dark cloud. I'll meet him. 
No, that's too childish. I'll pretend I am reading. 
[She gets a book. Enter Victor, creeps up behind 
her, and puts his hands over her eyes.] 

Victor— Well, did vou think I wasn't coming.^ 



26 Maiden s Adventure. 

Myra — No, I didn't think that; but I wanted 
you to come. [Florence looks from behind the 
screen and frowns.] 

Victor — Did yon want to see me very bad? 

Myra — Indeed, I did. I am always glad to see 
vou. 

Victor — Well, I am going to tell your fortune 
for being so sweet. 

Florence — [Aside, with teeth clenched] : Sweet, 
is she ? 

Myra — Now, Victor, you don't mean that. I 
am not sweet. 

Victor — I do; and you are just as lovelv as you 
are sweet. Now, lam going to tell your fortune. 

Myra — No, no. Victor; don't tell my fortune; it 
was told once by a gypsy, and since then I have 
had too much faith in fortune-telling. 

Victor — What did she tell you, Myra? 

Myra — One day, as I was roaming all alone in 
the fields around Glenmore, I met a haggard-look- 
ing woman. She said : " Miss, can I tell vour for- 
tune? " I consented. She said my life would be a 
dark one, full of sorrow, but vet there would be 
days of sunshine. Victor, I am happy when I am 
wMth you, but still I feel that there are troubles I 
have yet to bear. 

Florence — [Aside] : I will see to your troubles. 

Victor — Myra, don't speak so. You make me 
feel sad. I w^asn't going to tell vou a sad fortune. 
I was going to tell you a good one, and every 
word W'ill be true. 



Mnidens Adventure. 27 

Myra — Well, you may tell it, if it is going to be 
so good and all true. 

Victor — All right, I'll begin. Some one loves 
you and wonders if it is returned. He it is who 
stands before you and awaits an answer. [She 
bows her head.] Alyra, can 3^ou not answer? Do 
you love me? Say yes and make me happy. [She 
remains silent.] Speak, M^^ra, or suspense will 
kill me. Say \'Ou love me. 

[Florence listens, trembling with anger.] 

Myra — Victor, I do love you. 

[Florence starts, then stops.] 

Victor — Then, Myra, be my wife. 

M^'RA — Victor, are you free to ask that ques- 
tion ? 

Victor — Free? Yes, as a bird. Why do you 
ask am I free? 

Myra — Are you not engaged to my cousin ? 

Victor— No, no. 'I'll swear by the stars — by 
heaven — by everything — that I love no one but you. 
Mvra, I am as free 'is the winds that blow. Come, 
now, be silent no longer. It is cowardly. Make 
me happy while it is in your power. 

Myra — Then you shall be happy. [She clasps 
him around the neck. He kisses her. Florence 
rushes from her hiding-place.] 

Florence — What means this, Victor Herndon ? 
And vou, vou little wretch, hugging a man in this 
manner. Your uncle shall know of your conduct. 

Myra — Please, Florence. [Starts to beseech her.] 

Victor — Stop, M3^ra; stop, Miss Hill. I am re- 



28 Maiden^s Adventure. 

sponsible for all. I presume you have the knowl- 
edge of our relationship, as you were an ear and 
eye- witness of all that passed. Your language was 
quite surprising. 

Florence — Silence, you coward. What right 
have 3^ou to upbraid me, sir? Leave this room im- 
mediately. 

Victor— You speak with authorit3% and I sup- 
pose I must obey, as I sought your presence. Come, 
Myra, we'll walk. [They start.] 

Florence — No; s/ze will remain. 

Victor — May I, too, have the pleasure? 

Florence — No; your absence I prefer. 

Victor — Then, Miss Hill, you must deliver your 
lecture in the future; your cousin is engaged at 
present. [Exit Myra and Victor.] 

Florence — You swore by heaven you loved her, 
and I'll swear bj^ heaven I will have m\' revenge. 
You dog, thcit feed on hearts like mine, will find it 
hard to digest. I'll foil you or lose mv head to ac- 
complish it. x\nd you, Myra Gramer, shall not es- 
cape my revenge. It was your beauty that won 
him, and it shall perish. I'll make you rue the day 
that you were born. Vengeance! Vengeance is 
sweet, and you shall know the vengeance of a 
woman if these hands of mine shall dabble in blood 
to accomplish it. [She sits in silence a few min- 
utes. Enter servant and hands her a card. She 
looks at it, then tears it in pieces.] Leave me; I 
wish to see no one. Stay! Show him in. [Exit 
servant.] I will make a tool of him to accomplish 



MnicJens Adventure. 29 

my aim. He will serve my purpose if there is 
fifty thousand in it, and I'll make him believe that 
at Uncle Joshua's death I'll have full control of my 
father's fortune. I will promise to marry him, and 
that will be all. [Enter Charles Crane.] 

Chas.— Good mornin^;, Miss Hill; I am sorry to 
see vou looking so ill-composed. I expected to find 
you in better spirits, as this will be your last eve- 
ning in our citv. 

Florence— Thank yon, Mr. Crane. You are 
complimentary, but I am not mad, as you sup- 
posed, but only a little vexed. These servants are 
so stupid. lam rather surprised to see you, as 
you said vou never expected to come again. 

Chas— Well, I did say so, but I w^as angry at 
the time, and, as the song goes, "Love has con- 
quered pride and anger." 

Florence— But you don't mean that, Charlie. 
You don't love me. 

Chas.— Hut I do. I swear by the stars and by— 

Florence— Stop, stop! Swear not by the stars. 

If you love me swear by thy dagger or something 

by which you can defend a lady's honor or thine 

own. 

Chas.— I will swear by anything that pleases 
thee, that I love thee. 

Florence— A man must be a brave man for me 
to love. 

Chas.— Florence, do you doubt my bravery ? 
Florence— No; I have no right to. But if you 



30 Maiden s Adventure. 

were insulted by a gentleman, how would you re- 
sent it ? 

Chas. — I would use this. [Draws a revolver.] 

Florence — [Aside: He is the man for me.] 
Well, Charlie, I haven't been as kind to you as I 
should have been, but I will be a better girl in the 
future. I leave for West View to-morrow. You 
must come to see me often. You will excuse me, 
won't you, as I have to make ready for to-mor- 
row. I will expect you soon at West View. Good 
evening. [Exit Florence.] 

Chas. — She speaks well to-night. Well, there is 
hope as long as life. She has a temper, but she has 
fifty thousand hard cash, and it's the cash I want 
worse, but I will take both rather than miss. 
Well, I s'uess FU oo ; I will see her at West View in 
a few days. [Exit Charlie] 

[Enter Myra.] 

Myra — Where did I leave my book? Here it is. 
Victor, I know, is the deraest old thing in the 
world. I don't care if she did see' him kiss me. He 
has a right, and she has nothing to do with it. I 
will acquaint Uncle Josh of Victor's desires as soon 
ar I see'him, and that will make it all right. Oh ! 
Fm the happiest girl in the world, [enter Florence] 
and I am going to be Victor's wife just the same. 

Florrnce — Not if my nameis Florence Hill, you 
won't. [Myra turns around suddenly.] Mvra 
Gramer, I give you warning to beware of Victor 
Herndon. He is only cajoling you. In the first 
place, you are not his equal, and in the second he 



Alnidcn's Adventure. 31 

is rnv betrothed, and if vou don't understand that 
language, miss, he is mv intended husband. Read 
that ! [Hands her letter to read.] 

Myra— Oh! heaven defend me! Can this be 
true? [She crumbles the letter in her hand.] 

Florence — Promise me you will not sec him 
again and I will forgive you. 

Myra — No, I will not. I believe it is false, and 
I will see him again. 

Florence — Then meet him again, if you will 
rob me of my husband, and I will rob you of vour 
existence. Mark- that ! [Exit Florence.] 

Myra — [Swoons and then partly rivses] : Victor, 
Victor, hast thou deceived me? [Scene closes.] 

Seene II. — Florence seated in the grove at West 
View. [Enter Paul. 1)eariiig a letter from Victor.] 

Paul — Miss Florence, here is one letter for vou. 
[She snatches the letter from him. He jumps. 
Paul, aside]: If dat hnd been Miss Myra, she'd 
gin me five cents, bringing a letter from Mr. Vic- 
tor. [Exit Paul.] 

Florence — [Reads] : I hope you will forgive 
mv unkind remarks, and that we will meet as 
friends in the future. [Siie tears it in ]3ieces and 
speaks with fur}-] : Yes, I'll forgive you. I'll meet 
vou as a friend in the future. A friend to your 
downfall. Oh, Victor Herndon, you shall pay for 
this. There is too much of my mother's blood 
flowing in my viens to be trampled upon b\ a man 
in this manovfr. Venojeance, veno^eance ! I'll have 



32 Maiden's Adventure. 

it, cost what it nla\^ [Exit Florence. SceiiC 
closes.] 

Scene III. — River bank at West View. Myra 
alone, looking very downcast, pinning a flower on 
her dress She hears Victor whistling at a dis- 
tance. Her countenance brightens, then changes 
very sad.] 



Myra — O, he must not see me. [She secretes 
herself. Enter Victor.] 

Victor — Where is she? They said she washeie, 
and here is where she has been. She must be 
about here gathering flowers. I'll look for her. 
[Exit Victor.] 

AIyra — Oh, Victor, dost thou know why I hide 
from thee? Did'st thou not swear that thou wert 
free? C^n it be that you, so frank, so noble, would 
deceive me and add niore sorrow^ to rpy lot? I am 
tangled amid the thorns. They pierce me on every 
side. I know not which wa\^to go. M\' pleasures 
are like the March sunshine — they are soon van- 
ished. 0, Victor, if I tell thee, wilt thou take me 
awav? I know he wmII. I do not believe him false. 
[Enter John Hill in disguise.] 1 will see him. [She 
looks around and sees the disguised figure. She 
screams; he grabs her and throws herin the water. 
He makes his escape. Enter Victor.] 

Victor — Where is she? I heard her scream. My 
soul, she is drowning. [He leaps in and brings her 
out unconscious.] What means all this? [Curtain 
falls.] 



Maiden's Adventure. 33 



.A.CT :jpotjti. 



Scene I.— Rose Garden Villa, opposite side river. 
Joshua alone in his library. 

Joshua— Wonderful things are going to happen— 
wonderful things. Florence actually condescended 
to speak to me this morning, and positively smiled 
when she said good morning, Uncle Josh. I am be- 
wildered. There is something behind that smile. 
Mark me, she wants a tremendous grant of some 
sort. Helloo, here she comes. 

Florence*— Good morning, uncle. 

Joshua -Good morning, my fair niece. [She 
frowns aside.] 

Florence — Uncle, I came to ask a favor of you. 
[Diana starts to enter, but stops at the sight of 
Florence.] 

Joshua— Ah ! What is it, my dear, you would 
like me to do? 

Florence— There is a fellow in the city who has 
fallen in love with me. 

[oshua— Is that so? And you want my consent. 

Florence— No, I do not want your consent. 

The fellow is a perfect bore to me, and he is coming 

here to-davto see me, and I don't like to insult him. 



34 Maidens Adventure. 

[Diana claps her hands and leaves the door.] Will 
you relieve me of that trouble? 

Joshua — Well, who is it? That is the question. 

Florence — His name is Charlie Crane. [He 
jumps from his seat.] 

Joshua — Charlie Crane? Has that scoundrel the 
audacity to pa}^ 3'ou attention ? An infamous ras- 
cal. If he puts his foot on Rose Garden, I'll kick 
him from one end to the other. Hoot! I'm mad 
all over. [Enter Diana. Mason, the overseer.] 

Diana — Massa, Mr. Mason wants for to see you. 

Joshua — [To Diana.] Very well; very well. [To 
Florence.] When do you expect him ? 

Florence — To-day, he wrote me word. 

Joshua — Very well, I'll vsee him. [Exit Josh.] 

Florence — [Alone]: Ha! ha! ha! From your 
madness I contract pleasure, and if you don't find 
kicking in the way, I am mistaken in the man. 

Scene III. — Door of the same. [Enter Charlie 
Crane.] 

Chas. — Well, I'm here, and there is fifty thou- 
sand dollars here, too, if I can get it. but that's 
the trouble; she is a tuff customer to deal with, but 
that money I must have, and to get that I must 
have her. Well, I guess I can stand her for fifty 
thousand. I wonder if she is at home. [Heraps] 
No one here; I'll knock again. [He raps again.] 
This is a beautiful place. I wonder if it is her's. 
Well, what is her's will be mine. B\^ Joe, I believe 
they are all a^-ay. I'll tr\' it again. [Just as he 



Maiden^ s Adventure. 35 

knocks Josh pulls the door open. He steps back 
quick.] Good morning, Dr. Hill; good morning, 
sir; fine weather we are having; very pleasant, in- 
deed, sir, for June. [Aside] : Helloo, he is deaf. 

Joshua — Well, sir; if you are through with your 
good mornings and fine weather, you ma^- tell me 
your business. 

Chas.— [Aside] : Well, George, that's hot 
[Aloud] : Well, sir, I came to see Miss Hill. Is she 
in ? 

Joshua — Yes, she is in. What is vour business 
with her? 

Chas. — Strictly private, sir. 

Joshua — I am her guardian, and I must know 
your business, or you cannot see her. 

Chas. — Your manner indicates that I am obnox- 
ious to you. If you will show me in and inform 
Miss Hill that I wish to see her, bv so doinsf vou 
will rid yourself of my com])any ; or, in other 
words, Mr. Crane awaits her presence. [Josh 
stands starin^.] Well, what are you staring at? 

Joshua — Nothing. That is as near as I can come 
at you. 

Chas. — Y'ou are very insulting, sir. What do 
you mean by addressing a gentleman in that 
manner? 

Joshua — A gentleman I ha I ha I ha ! Have vou 
thfit audacity ? 

Chas. — Look here, sir, I have encujgli of this; I 
am no hog. 

Joshua — Well, there is not much difference be- 



36 Maiden^ s Adventure. 

tween a hog and a Crane ; they are both so mean 
that arsenic won't kill them. What is j^our occu- 
pation, I would like to know? 

Chas. — None of your business ; you are too pre- 
sumptuous for good luck. I'll stand no more of 
this; you must retract. 

Joshua — You are a card merchant, I presume? 

Chas. — You are a lie, I presume. [Draws his 
revolver ; Josh knocks him down ; his revolver falls 
out of his hand.] 

Scene IV. — Grove of the same. Charlie meets 
Florence as he is leaving. 

Chas. — I will kill that hound before the sun sets, 
an infernal scoundrel. [Enter Florence.] 

Florence — Why, Charlie, what means this? 
Who are vou addressing in this manner? Has any 
one offended you ? 

Chas. — Yes, that uncle of yours has offended 
me, and he shall die, as sure as my name is Crane. 

Florence — If he insulted you, why did you not 
kill him on the spot? Why now think of the act? 
You are a coward. You are not the man I thought 
you were, to take an insult, and not resent it. 

Chas. — A man ! I am a man ; and I am not a 
coward. I tried, and the elephant knocked me 
down, and I had no chance. That is whv you call 
me a cownrd; hut I will have my revenge, if it 
takes me a lifetime to accomplish it. 

Florence — Charlie, if he has offended vou, he 



Ahiuicn's Adventure. 37 

has offended me, and revenge is mine, also. Listen, 
if you are what you pretend to be — 

Chas. — I am what I pretend to be, and what 
you say I will do. 

Florence— Joshua Hill has fifty thousand dol- 
lars of my money, and, besides, he has made no 
will; and, remember, his fortune is great, and he 
has but three heirs to inherit it ; and I cannot come 
in possession of mine, or become your wife, until 
he is removed. What say you? 

Chas.— He sliall be removed, and that in short 
notice. 

Florence — Don't be hasty, man. Do vou not 
care something for your life? Have patience, and 
I will contrive some wav bv which vou will not be 
accused. Remember, now, if you arc successful, 
all that I have is vours; say no more. Come to- 
morrow to the end of the g'^rden, c'.nd there await, 
beneath yon massive oak, the waving of this 
handkerchief, as a signal to meet me at the lower 
door of the west wing. Do not let Noursclf beseen. 
Stop; say not a word. Lenvc here as soon as pos- 
sible; some one will be here anon. Go now and 
remember your reward if you are successful . [Exit 
Chas.] Go, vou mad beast; you shall have the 
bones and I the marrow. This dagger shall strike 
the fatal blow. [Draws the dagger.] Ah, Hern, 
don, thou fool, to carve t!i\ name upon a weapon 
in such dfingcrons times. But you shrdl ])av lor 
vour foil v. This blade shall bring me the revenge 
I seek. There — there thev are now. Could I not 



38 Maiden's Adventure. 

pierce her very heart ; tear from her the last spot 
of beauty that has robbed me of the onh^onelever 
loved. Could I not robe her with the afflictions of 
Job and the agonies of Dives. Oh, can I stay ray 
hand from vengeance? Nature has formed you 
beautiful, but I will form your destiny'. Victor 
Herndon,! offered you my love and 3'ou would not 
accept it ; now receive my hatred in its greatest 
capacity. 

[Enter Victor and Myra. Florence secretes.] 

Victor — Do not be alarmed at what she- says ; 
she dare not touch you. What she said concerning 
me IS as false as perdition is deep; I never dreamed 
of such things. To-morrow I will acquaint your 
uncle of my intentions. 

Florence— [Aside.] Not if I live. 

Myra — Promise me, Victor, you will not men- 
tion wdiat I said about Florence. Please, Victor, 
promise. Will you ? 

Victor — Myra, I will promise. Bear no uneasi- 
ness concerning her; for if she harms a hairof 3^our 
head, she shall pay for it two-fold. [Florence 
bounds towards them with a drawn dagger ; starts 
to stab him, still unseen. Scene closes with a tab 
leau.] 

Scene V. — [Charlie on hand.] 

Chas. — I don't think I have been seen. Now for 
the signal from the west window. I am eager to 
strike the blow^ which will bring me both revenge 
and wealth. One stroke wnth this glittering blade 



Maiden s Adventure. o9 

and, Joshua Hill, you arc no more, and I will see 
LJiat Florence keeps her word. Hclloo, there's the 
signal. [Exit Chas. Scene closes and he meets 
Florence in front of the scene.] 

Florence — [Very easy.] Have you been seen? 

Chas. — No ; not by any one. 

Florence — Take this; you haven't a moment 
to lose. [Hands him a dagger.] Follow me, and 
leave the dagger where you pierce it. [Points to 
the name on the dagger. He reads the name.] 

Chas. — Victor Herndon. Where did you get this? 

Florence — Ask no questions. Do as I bid vou. 
Follow me. [Exit both.] 

Scene VI. [Charlie and Florence at the door of 
Joshua Hill's library; Joshuasitting with his back 
to the door; Florence points at him.] 

Florence — There, get your revenge. [Then she 
leaves for the adjoining room.] 

[Charlie advances slowl}^ up to the old man, 
slaps his hand over his mouth, and stabs him ; in 
an instant brings him to the floor. He starts to 
leave, but hears approaching footsteps. [Enter 
Florence.] 

Florence — Fly ! Fly for your life! He is com- 
ing. [He starts to do so, but Victor is too close 
upon him, and he secretes in the corner of the 
room. Exit Florence. Enter Victor.] 

Victor — Helloo, what's the matter? [Steps 
quick.] My soul! What has happened? Is he 
dead? [He shakes him.] Doctor! Doctor! He 



40 Maiden's Adventure. 

must have swooned. [He spies the dagger.] No! 
Good heavens! He is murdered ! Who could have 
killed him ? [Enter Florence as he draws the dag- 
ger from his breast..] 

Florence — Murder! Murder! You have killed 
my uncle! You have killed my uncle! [She pre- 
tends to weep, and kneels beside the prostrate 
body. Enter Diana.] 

Diana — Oh, Lordy! Oh, Lordy ! Done killed 
Massa Josh! Poor Massa! Who did done it? 
Who did done it ? [She claps her hands tagether. 
Enter Myra.] 

Florence — There stands the fiend who did the 
deed ! 

Victor — Myra. I did not. I found him with 
the dagger pierced in his heart. [He thuows the 
dagger from him; Myra falls senseless on the floor; 
Diana picks her up and carries her off. Victor fol- 
lows; Florence left alone.] 

Florence — Now^ is your time. Lose not a 
moment, or you will be seen. Fly, if you value 
your life. 

Chas. — Which way shall I go ? 

Florence — Go the way you came. [Exit Char- 
lie. She shoves him out.] Go! I have finished 
with you, and your reward 3'^ou will receive here- 
after, for the devil is a good paymaster. [She 
turns to view the dead body. While so doing his 
eyes fly open. She gives one scream, turns her 
• eyes from his, falls on one knee, and looks around 
very scared. Curtain falls.] 



Maiden s Adventure. 41 



.^^CT IFI'VE, 



Scene I. — Cave on Victor Herndons farm, one 
mile from West View. [Victor asleep, with a dim 
light burning; he talks in his sleep.] 

Victor— I knew you thought I was innocent ; 
now, Mvra. I can face the world. [He awakes, 
and partlj^ rises, and looks around a moment or 
two.] Ah I it's all a dream. Why did I awaken? 
1 was so happy. Oh, if I could see her, and she 
would believe me innocent ! I will see her. I will 
bear it no longer. Myra ! Myra! I must see you 
to-night ! Oh ! my head is bursting. [Falls back 
on the bed.] Lucy, Lucy— not here. Myra will 
not believe me guilty, she knows my heart too 
well. O, Myra! if thou dost pronounce me guilty, 
1 will live no longer; this night my spirit shall ac- 
company the spirit of the slain ! [He pulls out a 
bottle of poison.] This will I drink! Hush! 
what's that? Hasty footsteps. [He hides the 
bottle; enter Lucy, bearing a waiter.] Lucy, is 
that you ? 

Lucy— Yes, Massa; 'tis me. Eat your supper 



42 



Alfiiclcns A r] venture. 



now. I is got some good pan-cakes for you, and 
some good news, artcr you eat. 

Victor — What news, Lucy? Wh^it news? 
Speak, quick ! I must hear! 

Lucy — De 'tectives done took de train dis cben, 
and if you want to see Miss Myra, I think you kin, 
for Diana says she walks in de grove by herself 
'most ehery night, and de moon is done ris now. 

Victor — Lucy, hand me my cloak. [She hands 
it to him.] Thank you, good Lucy; take this. 
[He hands her some money.] And if I never re 
turn, good-bye. You have cared for me; you shall 
be rewarded, if I live or die. 

Lucy— Massa, don't say dat, for i is only done 
mv duty. 

Victor — Say no more, Lucy — farewell. [Exit 
Victor. 

Lucy — I ain't guine say good-bye, for God ain't 
guine punish de innocent for de guilty, and I is 
guine follow Massa Victor wid dis here knife. 
[Draws a dagger.] And if anybod}^ do .trouble old 
mistress'es son, he is guine feel dis point. I'll show 
folks how old Lucy can carve. Old massa is dead 
and old mistess is dead, and dis here boy is all dat 
I know of, and when he dies I had just live die as 
not, so I is guine follow him. Yonder he is, walk- 
ing long dar just like he is guine walk in his grave. 
Poor massa. Go on ; I is guine follow you. [Exit 
Lucy.] 



Scene II. — Grove at West View. [Enter Victor.] 



Xlnidcii's Adventure. i-^> 

Victor — One month ago 1 was Victor Herndon, 
lull of hope for years of happiness, but now they 
are all bli^^hted. Yes, blif^^hted, perhaps, forever. 
All hopes, all hopes have fled. Nothing seems visi- 
ble now but death and disgrace. ♦ What am I in 
the eyes of the world ? A murderer, murderer, mur- 
derer, and the people thirsting for my blood. They 
may haveitifshe will give the verdict of not guilty, 
but if she says guilty— that I cannot stand. [He is 
silent awhile.] Will she walk to-night? Lucy says 
she walks this grove. Surely the acronical moon 
will tem])t her as it trav^els along its starry path- 
way, robing dull earth with a silvery mantle; but 
I, like a spirit, must vanish as it reaches the goal 
of day. O, Father, my Father, what have I done 
to displease Thee? [Enter Lucy.] Oh, heaven, de- 
fend me. [He falls upon the ground. Lucv starts 
toward him, but stops as he partly rises.] I must 
prove mvself innocent ; I must see Myra this night. 
I cannot bear to live while she believes me guilty. 
She cannot, she must not ; I'll see her to-night. If 
she believes me innocent, then T will give myself to 
the law ; but if not, I will die in her presence. [He 
rises and starts to leave the stage.] There— there 
she comes now. [He recoils and secretes. Enter 
Myra and walks up and down the stage very 
slowly, followed by Victor, but unobserved. Enter 
Florence, unobserved, and exits immediately.] 

Myra— 0. what a poor unfortunate ceature I 
am. I am unhappy; yea, miserable. Why w^as I 
not left wherelknewnothingbut happiness? Why 



44 Maiden's Adventure. 

was I brought here amid sorrow and affliction, and 
to witness murder, and to die an untimely death? 
Oh, Glenmore, Glenmore, my fortune for Glenmore. 
[Glenmore, the asylum from which she was taken.] 
0, Father, why did'st thou frown upon me in the 
hours when I was so happy? Brighter days than 
those never shown upon my 3'oung life, nor darker 
days can never than these. I am a child of misfor- 
tune. Would that I had died wh^n I was an infant, 
I would have been spared this hour; and yet there 
is one to come that I cannot survive. They will 
hang him I know, though he is innocent ; and I am 
accused as his accomplice in the murder of mydetir 
old uncle. [She weeps. Victor makes his presence 
known.] 

Victor— Myra, who says you are an accomplice 
in the murder of your uncle .'' [She is frightened at 
first at his appearance.] 

Myra — Leave me, leave me. How dare 3^ou ap- 
proach me with your hands yet stained with my 
uncle's blood ? Leave me ! 

Victor — Murder! murder! two-fold murder! 
How can I stand it? Oh, Myra, Myra, you can- 
not mean it. I who love you better than m\^ life. 
Fain would I have given my life a hundred times to 
save vou the sorrow of this hour. Oh ! kill me if 
vou will ; your sentence is death. I will leave you, 
and that forever. [Starts to drink the poison.] 

Myra — Victor! Victor, you shall not. [Snatches 
the vial.] I know you are innocent [She embraces 
him.] Victor, they say you killed him. 



Maiden s Adventure. 45 

Victor — Myvzx, how could you utter those 
words? 

Myra — I don't know, Victor; but tell me. how 
came your dagger to be the one that killed my 
uncle? 

Victor — My dagger that killed him? [Springs 
from her.] Oh ! the fiend ! Who could have been 
so base? It's enough! I see it all! \iy dagger, 
Myra, I lost a week before the murder. My soul ! 
it must have been — 

Myra — It must have been who, Victor? 

Victor — No one, Myra, no one; I accUvSe no 
one; I will die first. [Enter John Hill and two 
others; Myra tries to shove him away.] 

Myra — Victor, fly. [He does not move,] 

John — Herndon, you are my prisoner. 

Victor — Very well, sir; I will go. 

Myra — No, Victor, you shall not go. 

John — Miss, you must leave, or 1 will arrest you 
as his accomplice. 

Victor — You lie; \^ou will not, 3'ou base villian. 
[He rushes at him ; John Hill draws a dagger; Vic- 
tor catches his arm with one hand and his throat 
with the other; the two men rush to John's as- 
sistance; Myra jumps between one and Lucy the 
other with a knife.] 

Myra — Touch the innocent man if you dare. 

Lucy — And I is guine stick dis here knife right 
through you. [Victor throws John Hill from him, 
and grabs Lucy's knite.] 

Victor — Now, Hill, we are equal. [They fight; 



46 Maiden's Adventure. 

Victor disarms him, and starts to kill him ; Mjra 
rushes between them.] 

Myra— Enough, Victor; spare him. 

[Curtain falls a few moments, to change time.] 






Alnidens Adventure. 47 



(Twelve months Inter.) 



Scene I. — Same place. [Enter John Hill, dressed 
in the apparel of a ghost.] 

John — I wonder if she will come this way to- 
night. If she does, Victor Herndon nor any one 
else will save her. I will represent the ghost of 
Joshua Hill, and if I am not mistaken in the girl, 
she will swoon at his appearance, and 1 will ad- 
minister this [pulls out a vial], which will send 
her to k(gep his company. He willed her all, and 
left me penniless; but I'll be rich before another 
day. [He looks to see if she is coming.] She 
comes. [He secretes. Enter Myrn.] 

Myra— To-morrow, to-morrow, and Victor is no 
more. This night will I spend in prayer for him. 
It was in this grove where first I met him. It was 
in this grove where first he said he loved me. It 
was in this grove where we spent many happy 
hours together. It was here where I first knew he 
was innocent. O, Father! let him not suffer for 
the crime of another. [She hears a noise behind 
her; John Hill approaches; she looks back.] 



48 Maiden's Adventure. 

What's that, a spectre? [He advances slowly.] 
Could I laugh, I would. Times are desperate, but 
not scary. I know that form ; I have seen it be- 
fore; it is not a phantom. 

Ghost -My ra, I am thy uncle's ghost. 

Myra — If thou art m\^ uncle's ghost, what say- 
est thou. 

Ghost — Why did'st thou lend a hand to sla^^ 
me? 

Myra — If thou ait a ghost, why dost thy lie? 
I will know^ thee better. Throw off thy disguise 
or you shall die. [Draws a revolver and points it 
at him.] Be quick, sir; I am in earnest. I know 
your intentions, vsir, are evil. Be quick. [He 
throws off his disguise.] John Hill. Just as I 
thought. This, sir, is your second attempt at my 
life. Try it no more. Leave me! Your crimes 
shall never be known. [Exit John Hill.] 0, what 
cruel times! what cruel times! My life is sought, 
and for what cause I know not of, unless for the 
mammon of unrighteousness. He and Florence 
are my cousins, and the next heirs to Uncle Josh's 
estate, w^hich I now hold. Poor, wncked souls! 
Before the setting of another sun they will be the 
rightful heirs to his estate, for I will be no more. 
[Enter Florence, walking in her sleep.] Florence! 
What brings her here ? His reprieve ! his reprieve ! 
[She runs to meet her.] No ; she is asleep. Surely, 
she must be. [She touches her arm and tries to 
wake her.] 



Maiden's Adventure. 49 

Florence— [Still asleep] : Let me go. I did 
not do it ; I did not. Let me go. It was he. 

Myra — What can be the matter? Florence, 
awake, awake. Why are you walking here asleep ? 
Do you kiiow it is dangerous? [She awakes.] 

Florence — [She catches Myra around the neck, 
then springs from her.] What right have \'ou in 
my room, Myra Gramer? Your intentions are 
evil. Leave me this instant. You breathe the air 
of wickedness. Go! Leave me, and hide your 
ofuiltv soul in the waters of the James. Go! It is 
vour name that gives vou libert\'. 

Myra — I will leave vou, but only to rid myself 
of evil company. But remember, the soil upon 
which vou stand is mine. No words from you can 
harm me now. Rut mark me well, Florence, that 
the terms upon which vou say I am spared may 
be yours. [Exit Myra.] 

Florence — [Bewildered]: Myra! M vra ! come 
back; come back. Spare me! spare me! O, 
did I dream aloud ? O, my head, ujv head ! Where 
ami? Where am I? I never was here before. I 
know not the place. I thought I was in my room. 
Kate! Kate! No; here are trees; here is ground. 
Myra! Mvra ! come back. I know not which way 
to go. How came I here? Am I — can I be in hell? 
1 feel as if I were — I were suffocating. The air 
smells sulphureous. Oh, Victor! forgive me. [John 
Hill passes through the grove some distance from 
her.] Oh! what is that? [She starts first one 



50 Maiden's Adventure. 

way and then the other, to leave the stage. Enter 
Catherine, Florence's servant.] 

Cath. — Miss Florence I Miss Florence! what is 
de matter? I has looked eberywhar for you. 

Florence— Oh, Catherine! Catherine! did you 
see it? Did you see it? 

Cath. — See what, Miss Florence? 

Florence — A ghost. 

Cath. — No, Miss Florence, I didn't seed anything 
like dat. I spek you seed me when 1 was looking 
for you. Ha! ha! ha! dat will do; I looks like. a 
ghost. 

Florence — Catherine, take me from this place. 

Cath. — Follow me, den, Miss Florence; I know 
de way. [Exit both. Scene closes.] 

Scene II. — Three o'clock in the morning. Myra's 
room. [M^^'a asleep on a divan. Enter Diana.] 

Diana — Something guine wrong round here; my 
mind tells me so.' Here 'tis three o'clock in de 
morning and I ain't closed dese eyes. [She goes 
to Myra's bed and finds her not there.] Hi ! whar 
Miss Myra ; whar she? [She looks 'ground and 
finds her on the divan.] Here she is, poor honey; 
hasn't gone to bed yet. Miss Myra — poor child, 
she's sleep without a bit of kiver on her. [Gets a 
blanket and throws over her.] Ah, dese is dread- 
ful times, dreadful times; but nobody is guine harm 
dis child while dis old nigger is here. I is guine 
stay right here 'till she wakes. What's dis here? 
[Finds her revolver.] A pistol. Dis is de right 



Maiden's Adventure. ">1 

thing for dese times, I tell you, cliikl. I 'spician 
something, and spician somebody. Dey is giiine 
hanir Massa Victor, but he didn't kill Massa josh, 
and de same one dat had a hand in dat, is guine 
harm dis child. Dis nigger ain't no fool. So I is 
ouine watch dis child. I is— hush ! hush! I hears 
some one coming; I is guine hide and see who 'tis. 
[Takes the revolver and secretes. Enter Florence.] 

Florence— Asleep; ves, and thou shalt slee)3 
forever; the dead tell no tales. You have heard 
too much to live; so inhale this sweet perfume and 
die. [She advances to her bed.] Not here! Ah, 
there. [She creeps to her side and takes from her 
bosom a vial.] Smell and die. 

Diana— [Steps in front of her with a drawn re- 
volver.] Not to-night. 

Florence— Take this, and let it still your tongue. 
[Hands money to Diana.] 

Diana— Leave dis place, dat's.all I ax you. [Flo- 
rence walks backwards off the stage. Scenecloses.] 

Scene ///.- [Myra in the woods reading Victor's 
farewell letter.] 

Myra— [Reading] : Dearest of all, when this, my 
final farewell, reaches you, perhaps FU be no more. 
Grieve not for me.; I know what you have suffered 
on my account. It is God's will that I should die 
for the crime of another; he knows that I am inno- 
cent, and you believe me so. I have no fear of 
death. Let the world believe as it will ; so you be- 



52 Maidens Adventure. 

licve nie innocent, I can die without a pang. The 
da J will boon come w^hen I will be forgotten. Fare- 
well, Mjra, until we meet again in a better world. 

Myra — 0, why was I born to see this da\^ — a 
da\' of injustice? Had I not been born, Victor 
would this day be free. Oh ! say not, Victor, fare 
well, for I will accompany thee. The same vial 
with which thou did'st attempt thy life shall end 
my misery. Victor, Victor! I come. [Starts to 
drink, but hears some one coming.] What ! Some 
one coming to disturb my last hour? Who can it 
be, that conies to this lonely spot? I w^ill ab- 
scond. [She absconds. Enter Florence Hill and 
Charlie Crane.] 

Myra — [Aside]: There; I see it all. He is the 
murderer. 

Chas. — Florence, you scheme acted splendid. 
But Herndon, poor fellow\ I feel sorry for him. I 
wish it was some one else; but he is better pre- 
pared to die than I am, so let him go. When do 
you intend to fulfill _vour promise, Florence? 

AIyra — [Aside] : Oh ! can I not save him ? [She 
looks at her watch.] I have but one hour. He 
shall not die.] 

Florence — O, never mind 'the promise. W> 
will see to that in the future. Herndon is not dead 
yet. 

Chas. — No, he is not dead ; he has an hour yet 
to live. 

Florence — Yes; but should the vsecret be known 
in this hour, what would become of you? 



Maiden s Adventure. 53 

Myra — [Aside.] It shall beknown. [Shewrings 
her hands, and looks at her watch.] Will the}^ 
never go ?] 

Chas. — Yes, and what will become of vou ? 

Florence — You killed him ; I did not. 

Chas. — Yes; you planned, and I executed; and, 
as the old saying is, you are as deep in the mud as 
I am in the mire. 

Florence — No; I am not. 

Chas. — Ha! ha! ha! you grow weak; never 
mind, the debt will soon be paid. [They hear 
Fome one whistling.] 

Florence — Hush; someone is coming; let's go. 
[They leave for other parts of the woods. Enter 
Paul ; Myra runs to meet him.] 

Myra — Paul ! Paul ! bring me Grace, bridled 
and saddled, to the big oak! lose not a moment! 
Fly! fifty minutes, and all is lost ! [Exit Myra. 
Scene closes.] 

Scene IV. — Michaux 's Ferry. [Enter ferr\ man.] 

Ferryman — No crossing here to-day ; water is 
too high. The James is furious, and she is still 
rising. [Enter Myra.] 

Myra — Ferryman! ferryman! take me across! 
quick ! quick ! 

Ferryman — Not to-day, Miss; not to-day; wa- 
ter is too high. 

Myra — Ferryman! ferryman! say not so! I am 
in haste — be quick! I'll give you a hundred — Pll 
give you a thousand — take me across ! 



54 Maiden's Adventure. 

F. Man — It would do me no good, Miss; we 
would be washed away. 

Myra— Then, I will go if I sink. [She plunges 
into the river.] Scene closes. 

Scene V. — People on the way to the hanging. 

Scene VI. — Victor on the gallows. [Enter Bill 

Robertson, a rough old farmer.] 

Bill R. — Stand aside here; stand aside, and let 
me sec it well done; make a good job, John, or let 
me tie the knot. 

Sheriff — All right, Robertson, you may tie the 
knot. 

Robertson — Helloo ! he is quite willing. [Sheriff 
reads the death-warrant.] 

Sheriff — Victor Herndon, have you anything 
to say? 

Victor — Only a few words, sir. Gentlemen, I 
am standing upon the verge of the grave, only a 
few moments to sa}^ farewell to the world. I have 
no hope for life now ; no one can save me, although 
I am an innocent man. I do not dread death, but 
its the disgrace of the death I am compelled to die 
I stand tinder sentence of the law for the crime of 
another, hut it is mv fate, and I have become rec- 
onciled. Gentlemen, 1 am accused of the murder of 
Joshua Hill, a man whose life I fain would have 
died to defend. I had no cause to kill him, but 
upon his life depended my future happiness. I went 
to ask him to promote my happiness by giving me 
the hand of his niece, when I found my own knife 



Maiden s Adventure. 55 

pierced into his heart. How could they £iccuse me 
of murdering Joshua Hill, a man whom I loved; a 
man who has saved my life more than once? The 
fiend who did the act aimed well, for he pierced his 
very heart. I have provided in my will two thou- 
sand dollars for the one that will bring to justice 
the true murderer of Joshua Hill. I am through; do 
vour dutv ! 

Sheriff — Herndon I pity you, I believe you are 
an innocent man. It grieves me beyond expres- 
sion, that it is my duty to perform this act of the 
law upon you. Robertson you can tie the knot, if 
you will. 

Robertson — But I don't will ; you can tie jour 
own knots. 

Sheriff — I will give twenty dollars to any man 
who will tie the not, and pull the trap. 

Farmer — I'll tie it. [Starts to mount the scaf- 
fold.] 

Robertson — No you won't. [Jerks him down.] 
I'll kick this foot clear through you, you scoundrel. 
[While they are talking, the sheriff ties the not, 
pulls the cap, and is al)out to pull the string, when 
Robertson spies him.] Neither shall you, sheriff. 
[Levels his revolver at him.] 

Sheriff — Robertson, you are interfering with 
the law. 

Robertson — I care not. Conscience is my law, 
and my revolver will execute its judgment; and if 
you pull that string, somebody will have to hang 
me, and that won't be 3'ou. That lad is innocent, 



56 Maiden^s Adventure. 

and he shall not be hanged. [The crowd shouts 
no! no! They hear a faint voice in the distance.] 

Myra — Wait! wait! wait! [Enter Myra. Gen- 
tlemen, he is not guilty ] 

Robertson — My soul! what is it? An ange^ 
that confirms my opinion. 

Myra — Gentlemen, the murderer of my uncle is 
Charlie Crane. He is now on West View farm. I 
heard him confess the crime. I left him there three- 
quarters of an hour ago. 

Victor — My soul! that's Myra. Remove this 
cap. [She mounts the scaffold. Loud cries of re- 
lease him.] 

Myra — Victor, you are free. [She clasps him 
around the neck.] 

Robertson — I'll have him, if I have to swim the 
river. 

Sheriff — So will I. [Cuts the ropes from Vic- 
tor. Deputy, look to the prisoner until I return. 
Look, Herndon, the maiden swam the river.] 

Myra — Yes, the ferryman would not bring me 
across; but Grace knew my errand and brought 
me safely across. 

Robertson — Hurrah! for the Maiden's Adven- 
ture. [Scene closes.] 

Scene VII. — Woods at West View. Florence and 
Charlie alone. 

Chas. — W^ell, Florence, the tragedy is over, and 
Herndon is no more. 

Florence — What does it matter? I have no 



Maiden's Adventure. 57 

sympathy for him, but I have my revenge. I leave 
this place to-morrow, never to return again. 

Chas.— Where will you go, dearest? [She 
frowns.] 

Florence — I know not where. 

Chas. — What about your promise? 

Florence— O, never mind the promise. 

Chas.— But you promised to be my wife. 

Florence— 0, promises are made to be broken. 
I denounce them all. 

Chas.— Then I must have the fifty thousand. 

Florence— Fifty thousand! You are very 
lenient. If you want fifty thousand, you must 
seek it elsewhere. On the highway, perhaps, you 
will find it. 

Chas.— Florence, I am in earnest. I am ruined, 
and 1 must have your money. If you refuse I will 
accuse you of the murder to the law\ 

Florence— What do I care for that ? I can do 
the same. [Enter Paul with a gun.] 

Paul— [Aside] : I is tired of watching dese folks. 
I is guine make myself known. I is guine 'pear 
'fore 'em, and if he run, I is guine 'bay Miss Myra's 
orders. I is guine shoot. [Steps before them; 
they rise from their seat, but sit down after seeing 
w^hoitis.] Sarvant, Missus? [Bows low.] 

Chas.— What are you hunting? 

Paul— Jail birds, sar. 

Chas— Why, you mean jay birds. 

Paul— No, sar; I means jail birds. 



58 Maiden's Adventure. 

Chas. — Well, change your hunting ground ; you 
won't kill any around here. 

Paul — I don' know, sar, 'bout dat. I ain't 
guine fur. If dey fly, run, or walk, I is guine shoot. 

Chas. — Florence, what does the fool mean? 
[Paul walks a few steps.] Look, Florence! 
What means this? [They see Robertson and the 
sheriff coming.] 

Florence — Fly for your life ! It is the sheriff. 
[He starts to leave; Paul confronts him with his 
gun.] 

Paul — My missus told me to shoot you if you 
run, and I is guine do dat, sure. 

[Enter sheriff and Robertson.] 

Sheriff — Crane, you are my prisoner. 

Chas. — For what am I your prisoner^ 

Sheriff — For the murder of Joshua Hill. 

Robertson — And you have just long enough to 
live to get to the gallows. 

Chas. — I will go, but not alone. There stands 
my accomplice. [Points his finger at Florence.] 

Florence — I will not go. I die first. [She 
stabs herself, and presents a short scene of death, 
as the curtain slowly falls.] 



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